In a time when technology is increasingly integrated into every aspect of our lives, it’s ironic that the very innovations designed to protect us could be compromised by our safety measures.
A recent study has raised concerns that high-visibility clothing—the bright and reflective gear worn by pedestrians, cyclists, and road workers to ensure they are seen by drivers—may actually be hindering the effectiveness of pedestrian crash prevention sensors in modern vehicles.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States has conducted research that suggests the technology behind crash avoidance systems may not always detect individuals wearing high-visibility attire. This revelation is particularly alarming given the widespread reliance on such clothing as a safety standard.
David Harkey, president of the IIHS, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘It’s untenable that the clothes that pedestrians, cyclists, and roadway workers wear to be safe may make them harder for crash avoidance technology to recognise.’
The study tested the automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems of three popular vehicles: the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester. These systems are designed to detect pedestrians and prevent collisions, but when put to the test, the results were concerning.
The vehicles were challenged to identify and respond to a pedestrian dummy dressed in various outfits, including those with reflective panels, under different lighting conditions.
At a speed of 40 km/h, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 frequently failed to stop for the dummy, especially when it was adorned with reflective high-visibility tape. The Subaru Forester fared better, avoiding the dummy in almost all trials, except when the dummy wore reflective clothing under 10 lux, which is the minimum level of illumination required for street lighting in Australia.
The findings were even more stark when the dummy was dressed in black and only the vehicles’ high beams were used with no road illumination. The Honda and Mazda slowed significantly, but when switched to low-beam lights, the CR-V did not slow down at all, and the CX-5’s reduction in speed was minimal.
The IIHS has not yet determined why the Honda and Mazda systems struggled with the reflective strips, nor how many other systems might have similar issues. This uncertainty is a significant concern, considering the number of people who rely on high-visibility clothing for safety while working on or near roads.
‘These results suggest that some car manufacturers need to tweak their pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems,’ Mr Harkey stated. The IIHS insists that further research is necessary to fully understand how crash avoidance systems interact with high-visibility clothing.
Automakers are reportedly working on addressing these issues, with the Subaru Forester’s superior performance indicating that improvements are possible.
The implications of this study are far-reaching for Australians, many of whom are avid walkers, cyclists, or may be part of the workforce that requires high-visibility attire. It’s a reminder that as technology evolves, so too must the safety protocols that govern our roads and the vehicles we share them with.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences. Have you noticed any issues with high-visibility clothing and vehicle safety features? Do you have concerns about the technology in your own vehicle? Join the conversation below and let’s discuss how we can all stay safer on the roads.
Also read: Australia’s biggest city has a car problem
